Surf lessons for older adults in Nosara
Surfing at 60, 70, or beyond is ordinary here — not a stunt.
Dispatch Surf Co is Nosara's mobile surf school. Our van meets you at Playa Guiones. Lockers, showers, boards, and your coach are already there. No long walk from a shop. No rush.
Allan (head coach) is a professional instructor certified in lifeguarding and beach rescue. Piri coaches alongside him. Lessons move at your pace.
“If I can do it on my 70th birthday you can certainly do it in your 30s.”
— Greg from Texas
Why Guiones works for seniors
Playa Guiones is a sandy beach break with room to spread out. Whitewater at the right tide is shallow and easy to stand in. That is where first lessons start.
We choose North, Main, or Bakers access based on conditions that day — not a fixed shop door. You get the calmer peak, not the crowded one.
Warm Pacific water. Soft-top boards for stability. A coach in the water with you the whole time.
How a senior-friendly lesson works
1 · Meet at the van
We confirm North, Main, or Bakers after you book. Need a ride from your rental? Tell us.
2 · Board and fit
Soft-tops and longboards. Rash guard and sunscreen included.
3 · Sand first
Pop-up, weight, and how today's waves are breaking. No pressure to rush in.
4 · Whitewater
Shallow, already-broken waves. Stand when you want. Rest when you need. About an hour in the water inside a ninety-minute private or semi-private.
You set the intensity. We set the safety.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water. We bring the rest.
Prices
Private
Most popularOne surfer, one coach.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Semi-private
Two surfers, one coach.
$85 per person.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Three days or more cost less per day: 10% off for 3 or 4 days, 15% for 5 or 6, and 20% for 7 or more. The booking form applies it.
We accept
, and cash.
Coaches
Allan — Head coach. Professional surf instructor, lifeguarding and beach rescue certified. Known for calm, clear teaching with kids and first-timers — the same pace works well with older adults.
Piri — Coach. Patient water time, technique that sticks. Choose a coach when you book, or we assign one.
Safety without the lecture
- Lessons start in whitewater when that window is best.
- No swim test required; tell us if you are nervous in the ocean.
- Conditions judged unsafe → we reschedule, free.
- Head coach holds lifeguard / beach rescue certification.
- Mobile base means gear and shade are at the access, not a hike away.
Questions
Are surf lessons safe for seniors in Nosara?
Yes, when paced correctly. Guiones has a sandy bottom and beginner whitewater windows. Private lessons keep one coach with you. Allan is certified in lifeguarding and beach rescue. If conditions are wrong, we move the lesson.
Am I too old to learn to surf in Costa Rica?
Age is not the filter — mobility, comfort in water, and a willing coach are. We regularly teach travelers in their 60s and 70s. Greg from Texas stood up on his 70th birthday.
Do I need to be able to swim?
There is no swimming requirement. First lessons stay in shallow whitewater. Mention any concern when you book so your coach reads it before you meet.
Private or semi-private for older adults?
Private ($115) is the default recommendation. Semi-private ($170 for two) works well for couples who want the same coach and a shared pace.
Where do you meet?
We are a mobile school. North, Main, or Bakers beach access at Playa Guiones — whichever fits the day's swell and tide. Confirmed by WhatsApp after booking. Pickup available.
What should I wear / bring?
Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen if you prefer your own, water, and any braces or supports you normally use. We provide board, rash guard, and sunscreen.
Can I book the same day?
Same-day needs about two hours' notice. The calendar opens six months ahead.
More from Dispatch
Senior-friendly lessons are one part of the school. Dispatch also runs lessons at all levels, golden hour and sunset sessions, longboarding, kids lessons, beginner lessons, and board rentals at Playa Guiones.